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Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Reinvests VAT Refunds to Scale Export Capacity
Expansion to Boost Jobs and Export Value
Flamingo Horticulture Kenya, a subsidiary of Flamingo Group International, has announced a major reinvestment and expansion project at its Naivasha operations. The company is working in collaboration with the Government of Kenya to increase production of Fairtrade-accredited bouquets for export markets.
Flamingo will fund the expansion through VAT refunds. As a result, the project will create 2,000 new jobs and support an estimated 12,000 dependents. In addition, it will strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading agribusiness export hub in the region.
Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Reinvests VAT Refunds to Scale Export Capacity
Shift Toward Source-Packed Agribusiness
Notably, the expansion signals a strategic shift toward source-packed agribusiness. Flamingo currently exports more than 750 million flower stems each year to the United Kingdom and Europe.
This time, however, the company will direct new capital toward modern infrastructure and climate-smart technologies. Consequently, Flamingo aims to increase efficiency while retaining more value within Kenya.
Investment Backed by International Confidence
Flamingo formally announced the expansion in July 2025 during the Kenya Investment Forum in the United Kingdom. President William Samoei Ruto attended the event, underscoring strong government support.
The announcement, therefore, reinforced Kenya’s appeal as a destination for agribusiness investment. It also highlighted rising international confidence in the country’s horticulture sector.
VAT Refunds Drive Modernisation
Through the VAT refunds, Flamingo will modernise operations across its 1,630-hectare footprint. The company plans to add 2,000 direct jobs to its existing workforce of 12,000. At the same time, it will continue supporting 6,000 supply chain partners and a broad outgrower network.
Moreover, increased packed-at-source capacity will allow Flamingo to bypass European auction houses. This shift will help the company retain higher value margins within Kenya.
The expansion will also introduce locally developed water-saving technologies and integrated pest management systems. In addition, Flamingo will strengthen operations at its two advanced packhouses. These improvements will maintain a 48-hour delivery window from Lake Naivasha to European retail shelves.
Government Signals Policy Alignment
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Mutahi Kagwe said the reinvestment reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s economy. He described Flamingo’s transformation from its 1982 origins as Homegrown Kenya into a vertically integrated exporter as a model for industrial growth.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry confirmed that the project aligns with national value-chain ambitions. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar from the State Department for Investments, Trade, and Industry said the government is auditing export charges and re-engineering Special Economic Zone frameworks.
“These reforms aim to better support agro-industrial exporters,” he said.
Strengthening Kenya’s Export Narrative
“This expansion reinforces a shift in our national narrative,” Abubakar added. “Kenya is moving from a supplier of raw commodities to a value-driven exporter integrated into global supply chains.”
Similarly, Invest Kenya CEO John Mwendwa said the project will deliver both economic and social impact. He noted that Flamingo’s investment will strengthen Kenya’s global market position while accelerating job creation and inclusive growth.
Industry and Private Sector Confidence
Flamingo Group International CEO Olivia Streatfeild described the expansion as a shared opportunity for growth. She said the collaboration between Flamingo, the Kenyan government, and European retail partners positions the sector for long-term success.
“The future of Kenya’s horticulture is bright,” she said. “Our community is ready to drive the next phase of innovation in packed-at-source bouquets.”
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